I Didn’t Organize

They came for the women but I was a man, so I didn’t organize.

They came for People of Color but my skin was white, so I didn’t organize.

They came for refugees from injustice but my ancestors arrived two generations ago, so I didn’t organize.

They came for working men and women but I owned my own business, so I didn’t organize.

They came for the poets and prophets but I minded my own business, so I didn’t organize.

They came for people who loved untraditionally but I was a man who loved a woman, so I didn’t organize.

They came for me, and there was no one left to organize.

(with gratitude to Martin Niemöller)

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Ken Wachsberger is an author, editor, book coach, speaker, and organizer. He is the editor of the landmark Voices from the Underground Series. He may be reached for speaking or coaching at ken@kenthebookcoach.com or https://kenthebookcoach.com. 

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